MC to House Some Off Campus

Patrick Lawlor, Associate Editor in Chief

Merrimack College is changing the way it provides housing to undergraduates, offering lotteries for both off- and on-campus living and planning to open two new residence halls over the next three years.

President Christopher E. Hopey’s Agenda for Distinction calls for an eventual undergraduate enrollment of 3,000; this fall, Merrimack will have 2,300 undergraduates, up from 2,100. The expansion of housing will be concurrent with the growth in the student body, Hopey said.

Applications to Merrimack rose 53 percent from last year, Hopey said last week.

Currently, nearly 80 percent of undergraduates live on campus, according to the college website.

The new housing plan goes into effect this fall. Under the plan, all freshman and sophomores will be guaranteed on-campus housing; juniors and seniors, however, have to enter a lottery if they would like to live on campus. If they wish to live in off-campus housing that Merrimack plans to acquire, they must enter an earlier lottery.

According to Hopey, the on-campus housing lottery will take place in April and the off-campus lottery will be earlier.

According to Sara Hicks, Merrimack’s director of residence life, the college is looking into many different options for off-campus housing, and renting nearby hotel rooms is a possibility.

While students may still live off-campus in apartments they rent themselves, starting this fall Merrimack will acquire off-campus housing units and rent them to interested students.

“The off-campus housing lottery will take place first, on March 28 — this will help us see how many students want to live off campus,” Hicks said.

“The on-campus housing (lottery) will take place in April. We will put a hold on the online room selection process and students will submit preference forms to our office. This will allow us to keep groups of friends together, even if they don’t get their building of preference,” she said.

“So to ensure we can have students live with or near their friend group, we will manage this instead of doing it online, where we would not be able to slide groups over and assist with block housing,” she said.

Many times athletes have early morning practice, and because of that college officials are discussing whether athletes will be given preference for on-campus housing.

Further, all students in Merrimack-controlled housing “will be on a meal plan of some sort next year,” even those who live in the off-campus apartments, said Hicks, who is working with Sodexo to develop meal plans suitable for even those who will be living in the apartments on campus with full kitchens.

“We have a lot of things to work out, but every student is going to be taken care of,” said Fr. Ray Dlugos, vice president of mission and student affairs.

The Student Government Association voted to support the new housing plan. Students are encouraged to voice their opinions to SGA on policies such as letting a sophomore or junior join with seniors and entering the housing lottery as a group. Rules and regulations regarding housing details are brought to SGA each year.

SGA meets every Tuesday at 5 pm. Students can also email opinions to SGA@merrimack.edu

Some students have wondered if moving parts of student body off-campus would inhibit the close-knit community of Merrimack. Dlugos disputed that notion. “There comes a point in the college experience to spread out and gain more confidence and skills,” he said. “When those students come back, that only enriches the community.”

The college will also help those who don’t want to live in college-controlled housing. Merrimack has posted a job opening on its website for an off-campus housing coordinator, to help students secure off-campus housing on their own.

If everything goes as planned, college officials expect to open a new residence hall in the fall of 2013, and a second new residence hall in 2015.

As part of the housing changes, Merrimack is also changing on-campus parking rules for students.

• Juniors, seniors and graduate students living on campus can enter a parking decal lottery.
• Juniors, seniors and graduate students living in college-controlled off-campus housing will be guaranteed a parking decal and a designated parking location.
• Students not living in college-controlled housing can obtain a parking decal on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Freshmen and sophomores will not be able to bring a car to campus.

The college is also exploring transportation options for those without cars, including the possibility of a ZipCar location on or near campus. ZipCar allows annual dues-paying members to rent cars by the hour.

College Investigates Racial Graffiti in Dorm

Patrick Lawlor, Associate Editor in Chief

When freshman Lance Hill woke up one morning last week, he was shocked to see what was written on the whiteboard on his door: a racially and sexually offensive message.

“I don’t know why someone would do that,” said Hill, who is black.

His initial reaction would be to erase it, and forget about it — brush it off, he said. Instead Hill decided to post a photo of the scrawl on Facebook. From there, the story blew up. Many people commented in disgust and surprise, and some offered condolences for Hill having this done to him.

A Lawrence native, Hill is no stranger to campus. He attended Coach Bert Hammel’s ABA Basketball camp for several years, and never thought this would happen at Merrimack.

“Such actions do not represent the attitudes, beliefs, or feelings of the Merrimack College community. They will not go unchallenged, ignored, or minimized and if the perpetrators are identified, they will be dealt with accordingly,” said President Christopher E. Hopey in a statement.

In an effort to better control and be aware of these situations, Hopey called on Fr. Ray Dlugos, vice president for mission and student affairs, to gather with other administrators and various groups to develop clear policies and processes for when things like this happen.

“These policies will include a process of informing all of us whenever an incident occurs on our campus,” Hopey’s statement said.

Police Services also responded to the incident. Chief Ron Guilmette announced a $500 reward for information pertaining to the door tagging

“If you have any information about this cowardly act, you are encouraged to either call or e-mail Deputy Chief Mike DelGreco or Lt. Dennis Peterson as soon as possible,” the chief said.

“I know this is not what Merrimack is like,” said Hill. “We are a tight family, we need to bring people together.”

Valley Voice

Patrick Lawlor, Associate Editor in Chief

Local Politicians Scrutinized for Campaign Finance Violations

Two local politicians have gained attention over alleged campaign finance violations recently. Freshman Rep. Paul Adams, who represents the 17^th Essex District, which includes parts of Andover, Lawrence and Tewksbury, has allegedly benefited from a multi-step financial “scheme” according to a report by the Eagle-Tribune. The report said that an out-of-town political committee from Marlborough produced six mailings costing $27,807 for Adams’ campaign, causing state Democrats to wonder what interest Marlborough had in Adams’ election. His family also donated funds totaling $30,000, violating campaign finance laws. The Massachusetts Democratic Committee called for an investigation into the Marlborough Republican Committee for funding Republican campaigns outside of Marlborough.

Essex County Sheriff Frank Cousins was under fire after WBZ-TV’s investigative team reported that several corrections officers claimed that they were pressured into donating to his campaign. The report said that department employees and family members have donated a total of $400,000 to his warchest since 2005. Cousins denied that anyone was pressured into donating. He has since said that he will no longer solicit donations from any union members. He is, however, accepting donations from his 27-member command staff. According to Cousins, the allegations are in result of a disgruntled employee who recently left the department. Cousins said that despite efforts by WBZ to block out his face and change his voice in the interview, his staff was able to identify the former employee.

Spring Concert Performer: Girl Talk

It’s that time of year again: Merrimack has officially revealed the act for the spring concert coming in up April. Two weekends ago, on Friday, Feb. 3, the college hired the band Time Flies to perform in the MPR gym as it announced that Girl Talk would be this year’s headline spring act.

The concert will be Friday, April 27, in Volpe Arena, with tickets initially $5, now $10, and due to rise to $15 before they sell out. Which raises the question for some students: Will the concert sell out?

Girl Talk — the DJ Gregg Michael Gillis, who specializes in remixing and mashing up songs to create new dance vibes — follows 2011’s Ludacris as Merrimack’s spring concert act. The Ludracris concert raised student expectations, and Girl Talk was not was widely known when it was announced.

But some students seemed excited by the decision.

“Instead of getting just one artist, it’s going to be like having 12 artists perform at once,” said Samantha Sanchez.

Girl Talk’s remixes are pulled from parts of other artists’ songs with a techno/rave beat as the background. “Every song is different and you never know what to expect next, which will keep everybody interested,” said  Rachel Sullivan.

He has won recognition for his music from Rolling Stone and Time magazine.

Not everyone is a fan. Because Girl Talk samples music from other artists to create his own work, The New York Times Magazine in 2008 called his five albums “a lawsuit waiting to happen.” He is also known for stripping during his performances.

Students Want Fare Hikes Derailed

 Dana Hildner, Staff Writer

On Jan. 3, the Boston-area public transportation system released two scenarios to the public. One includes fare hikes and severely decreased service; the other, a small fare hike and more drastic cuts.

Either scenario could be an issue for students who use the MBTA —the train, subway, trolley and bus system in much of eastern Massachusetts — to get to and from school, work or an internship.

“I took the T coming home from my internship in Boston and it was a nightmare,” said Merrimack senior Maureen Rooney. “Normally I take the commuter rail, which is pure luxury compared to the T, to Andover.” (The commuter rail is formally part of the T system, though many riders often think of the T as the subway and bus routes.)

“I’m against the T because of all the problems that come from it,” Rooney said. “There are always delays, and you can never sit. I understand why it’s so popular, because for $2 you can travel to anywhere you want instead of paying the $12.50 fare for the commuter rail.”

However, according to the T’s first scenario, fares would rise by 43 percent and about 60 bus routes would be cut. Under the second scenario, fares would jump 35 percent and 200 routes would be cut, along with weekend service on some train lines. Both plans would cut weekend and late-night service on the commuter rail.

Merrimack students use commuter rail stations in Andover and Lawrence to get to Boston’s North Station, at the TD Garden.

The T has not raised fares since 2007. It more than $5 billion in debt, a good portion from the highway construction project through Boston called the Big Dig; the state legislature forced the T to cover some of the cost.

Many students said they felt the cuts would not affect them, but junior Emily Morgan, the leading Merrimack activist in “Students Against T Cuts,” said: “Boston is the center of business and medicine for Massachusetts, and it is really important that we protect our public access to Boston. Not only do we use Boston for touring and fun experiences, but also for career opportunities and as transportation home.”

“By cutting off Merrimack’s public access to North Station, the MBTA would also be limiting students’ abilities to travel by use of the subway system, other commuter rails, buses and the airport,” Morgan said. “Given freshman students cannot have cars on campus, this might cause them to feel disconnected with the city, or even their home.”

Those directly affected or with strong feelings about the issue can long onto http://studentsagainst Tcuts.org or find the Students Against T Cuts page on Facebook.

For the Love of God: Alumni Review Wedding Vows in Collegiate Church

Patrick Lawlor, Associate Editor in Chief

Sunday Mass on Feb. 12 was held in The Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher for a special Valentine celebration. Coordinated through the Office of Alumni Relations, alumni were welcomed back to their alma mater to renew their wedding vows.

“We have been attending the Valentine’s Mass since its inception. It is nice to come back and renew our marriage vows on the campus where we met over 50 years ago. It’s also nice to see other couples who met here, especially the younger ones with their families,” said Claire Keon ’62, who renewed her vows with husband, Jack Keon ’61.

Fr. Bill Waters, who celebrated the Mass, told all the married couples in the audience to “tell the world how much you love your sacrament.”

“It is always so nice to have alumni come back to their roots. This is the first year we have invited current students and their parents to join us. It was a powerful message for students to see couples of all ages recommit their vows and for alumni to experience our students as a faith community,” said Waters.

“The fifth annual Valentine’s Day Mass embraces Merrimack College’s mission by bringing together alumni, students and their parents in an effort to engage hearts and empower lives,” said Kathleen St. Hilaire ’05, associate director of alumni relations. “It was a powerful visual as the couples of all ages gathered on the altar at the Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher to renew their vows and recommit to their marriages.”

Former Student Facing Child Porn Charges

Beacon Staff Report

Former student Raymond Macallister was arrested and is facing allegations that he engaged in child pornography.

Macallister is being charged by the Middlesex County district attorney for disseminating child pornography, child enticement, and exhibiting a child in the state of nudity. A prosecutor said at his arraignment that he enticed a 13-year-old boy to disrobe and commit a sexual act during an online video chat.

College officials said last week that he is not currently a student.

According to his Facebook page Macallister was very involved in intramural basketball on campus, and had recently attended home hockey games.

Merrimack Grows Grad Programs

Sarah Davies, Staff Writer

Merrimack’s growing graduate programs have become an important focus for the college.

The only graduate program previously offered by Merrimack was in the School of Education which offered multiple licensing programs approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. There are currently 200 students currently enrolled in this master’s program, explained assistant dean and chair of graduate programs, Theresa Kirk.

Kirk has served as assistant dean at Merrimack since 2009.

The School of Education has been approved for accreditation, and thus has expanded its licensure and non-licensure programs. These programs focus on obtaining a master’s degree in second education, master’s in reading, early childhood, dual licensing in special and elementary education, and English language learners. The two newest programs include higher education and community engagement.

The full-tuition fellowship programs through the School of Education engage students to work directly at a school, college, or nonprofit organization gaining hands-on experience, while also taking graduate courses at Merrimack. Graduates will earn their master’s in one year and receive a stipend while enrolled in the program.

“Merrimack provides a wonderful opportunity for those who do not want to drive to Boston with a small class and practitioners who have worked many years in schools as administrators and teachers,” said Kirk. “The fellowship program at Merrimack has expanded its offerings to charter schools and Catholic schools providing a wide audience and school districts within a 50-mile radius.”

These seven chosen areas of educational studies are further explained on the Merrimack website under “Graduate Programs,” along with course schedules and the cost of attending.

Within the past couple of weeks, Merrimack has expanded its master’s program to not only include education, but engineering, and most recently, a master of science in management for business students which will launch this fall.

The master of science in management is a business management program designed to prepare graduates for leadership positions and be creative thinkers and integrate integrity and responsibility into their everyday lives, according to college officials. The business environment can be a vast and complex place; therefore this management program helps prepare students for making managerial decisions and gaining skills to be used in finance, marketing, management, and global economics.

All courses in the master of science in management program aim to provide teaching methods that emphasize on applications of business knowledge and specific areas of management. Leadership electives are offered for a total of four credits for two chosen classes. These electives include personal leadership, leading effective teams, leading organizational change, and leading creativity and innovation in organizations.

Girard School of Business Program Coordinator Leticia Porter explained, “The master of science in management is intended to give our students an edge in the marketplace for entry level jobs, and hopefully also improve the student’s earning potential.”

In order to obtain their master’s, students must complete 32 credit hours. No prerequisites are required to enter the program, but it is recommended that students take a statistics or economics course prior to entry if they have no already in their undergraduate business courses. The courses required for the master of science in management include marketing analysis and decision making, global economy, and effective managerial communication, to name a few.

Applicants interested in this program must have a GPA greater or equal to 2.75; no GMAT is required.

Those interested in either of these two approved programs can stop by the Education Department in Austin Hall or O’Reilly’s fourth floor to speak with Porter.

The Countdown to Graduation: 100 Days Event

Andrew Napolitano, Staff Writer

It was the beginning of the end for Merrimack College seniors on Feb. 10 as they gathered together to celebrate the final hundred days of their collegiate career.

Nearly half of the senior class attended the event, which took place at the most popular destination for the class of 2012: the Claddagh Pub.

Those who attended the event were provided with transportation, free cover and food throughout the event for simply $10. If seniors donated $20.12 for the class of 2012 T- shirt they were given free access to the upstairs section of the pub for the pre-game party an hour prior to the kickoff of the event.

Allison Stinson, the associate director of student involvement, said, “Overall students seemed to really love the event, especially the private event portion upstairs and the free appetizers and room downstairs.”

The private portion of the event was attended by approximately 190 students and created an atmosphere displaying the bond the class of 2012 has with one another. Students were talking and laughing together as they feasted on a variety of different foods. This one hour pre-game illustrated that although there are several clicks within the senior class as soon as a variety of students come together as one it builds an instant connection.

Jake Polas, a member of the senior class and one of the most enthused attendees of the 100 Days event, said, “It was great just having all the seniors in one room separated from everyone else, not to mention the best crab rangoon I have ever had in my life. Overall the top section was one of the greatest times I have had at the Claddagh, along with the bus ride home.”

As soon as the one hour pre-game party concluded, all those who attended were directed downstairs by the senior student council and members of student involvement, where they joined the rest of the class of 2012. Downstairs included live entertainment and a different variety of food from upstairs. Students were socializing, dancing and enjoying each other’s company.

Although the downstairs portion of the event reminded a lot of people of a typical Thursday night at the Claddagh there was something different about this night.

“There was a different feel to this night. I don’t know how to explain it, but it just felt as if we were the only ones there and it was a great start to the end of our four years at the Mack,” said senior student Dan Smith.

This was the first year the student council and student involvement had decided to host the 100 Days event off the Merrimack College campus. In past years the event typically took place in the MPR, which provided easier transportation.

Stinson, in regards to the future of this event being hosted at the Claddagh, said, “The event overall went very well, and with some changes we would consider doing the event again.”

In the end the 100 Days event proved the most successful event thus far for the senior class. It brought together 250 students of the class of 2012, and the student council hopes to continue this success in future senior events.

Senior Class President Melissa Garabedian said, “I hope we can keep up the awesome participation for the remainder of our Senior Events: March 2 Mohegan, March 3 Senior Hockey Night, April 28 Senior Formal and May 4 Senior Toast.”

Career Services Hosts First Ever Major/Minor Fair

Robert Perocchi, Staff Writer

Merrimack College’s first ever Major/Minor Fair kicked off with a bang on Feb 8. Professors and students set up tables in the multi-purpose room of the Sak and offered information for students to help them decide on a major or minor.

“An excellent chance for undeclared students to explore their options,” said Professor MaryKay Mahoney.

The fair offered students a chance to talk to professors who teach in a specific major as well as students who are either majors or minors in that field. Each major had its own table complete with decorations, informative handouts, video presentations, candy, and several examples of student work.

The ultimate purpose of the fair was to get students to learn more about the numerous options they have at Merrimack, both during their time here and for their lives after graduation.

With professors and students to talk to in each major, all of a student’s questions could be answered. Any inquiries about the books or projects they will have to complete or about the amount of homework and how fun the classes are could be answered by either a professor or student.

With approximately 200 students in attendance, the results seemed a little low compared to how many students are either undeclared or considering a second major or minor.

Senior Glenna Mugavero summarized it: ”Sometimes these fairs don’t work, but some kids took initiative to show up and learn about majors and minors despite a lack of advertising.”

This year the majors competed to see who had the most interesting and eye-catching table, with electrical engineering walking away with the title.

Grammies Review

Ding! Your popcorn is ready. You pull it out of the microwave (too soon, apparently, because now your fingers have suffered third-degree burns), grab your blanket (or Snuggie – I won’t judge …OK, I might be judging a little), and curl up on the couch. You flick on the TV and—dear God, what is that? Is that a live taping of an exorcism? Why are those half-naked dancers grinding on alter boys? Oh wait, that’s just Nicki Minaj’s new ploy to get people talking.

Whew. I guess pop culture’s unfortunate fascination with strangeness is the price to pay for my eyes now being in as much pain as my fingers.

In case you haven’t guessed, I’m talking about the Grammy Awards. In the past, I used to get so excited to watch the Grammys because I knew how talented all the musicians and singers were, so I knew I was in for a good show. Their talent and stage presence drove the entertainment of the evening, and that was more than sufficient for viewers nationally.

Now, I hold my channel changer at the ready in case Lady Gaga is going to do some weird new blood-spouting, air-spinning, robot-resembling performance that frankly I don’t give an (insert expletive here) about.

I have always had enormous respect for country singers especially, since their songs never fail to tell actual heartfelt stories rather than just blabbing about cars, clubs, and girls, which has been all the rage in the past few years. The 2012 Grammys reaffirmed my love for country music. I was quite happy to see The Band, Perry and Blake Shelton perform with Glen Campbell; music seemed to be a sort of therapy for Campbell’s unfortunate bout with Alzheimer’s, which made for a touching performance. Just when I had thought all emotion was struck from pop music, country singers renewed my faith in humanity. Thank you, country music, for never letting me down.

I was also very pleased to see Carrie Underwood on stage with Tony Bennett. They are both class acts and very well-respected performers, so I was satisfied with the choice to have such a polished country singer perform with such a well-liked and charming crooner. I would have liked to have heard Underwood sing something on her own — perhaps “Remind Me,” her duet with Brad Paisley — since the song “It Had To Be You” isn’t exactly what she’s used to singing. Still, I think she did a great job. And even after all these years, Tony Bennett’s still got it!

Adele was the clear winner of the night, happily running away with six Grammys, including the big three: Best Song and Record of the Year for “Rolling in the Deep,” and Album of the Year for “21.” During her performance of “Rolling in the Deep,” I could hear the difference in her voice since her recovery from surgery on her hemorrhaged vocal cord. And even though her voice was a bit raspy and rang a deeper tone than usual, she still is more talented than 75 percent of the so-called artists out there today. The fact that she came out on stage with just a microphone and sang simply and honestly, barely even gesturing with her hands, speaks volumes about her class and skill.

Bravo, Adele. Keep chasing those pavements, girl, because they’re leading you directly into the hearts of all your listeners.

Adele probably met, or even exceeded, many people’s expectations; other artists, however, did not. Take Rihanna, for example. Her music is very popular across clubs and tops the billboards, which, though I am not the hugest fan of hers, is fine — people can listen to whatever music they want. But if I’m going to be brutally honest, I’ll have to say that at the 54^th annual Grammy Awards, she sounded atrocious. I thought someone was strangling a cat outside my window. I literally was seconds away from calling PETA. And I won’t even mention that she looked like Calypso from “Pirates of the Caribbean” (oops, too late).

So Rihanna, with great power comes great responsibility; people are going to be expecting a great performance from you, so please try to polish up before you take the stage at the biggest music award show in America. It’s not exactly a diss, but maybe some advice to heed. So please do.

Because I do not enjoy being negative, I will end this on a high note, both literally and figuratively. First, let me guess: All you’ve been hearing about lately is pop icon Whitney Houston’s untimely death. Sure, towards the end of her career, she wasn’t what she used to be, but in the 1980s, when she was at her peak, she was unbelievably talented. That is the Whitney Houston we should remember today.

I must admit that Jennifer Hudson succeeded at giving an appropriate tribute to Houston in her flawless rendition of “I Will Always Love You.” I had begun to grow quite sick of Hudson after hearing her shriek about suns in the sky on her Weight Watchers commercial, but her beautiful performance permanently struck her from my “Please Shut Up And Sit Down” list. I appreciated how she did not do the song exactly in Houston’s style, but that she also did not go the other extreme by getting too fancy. I hate when people try to color their performances with random high notes and vocal runs, because they usually end up drowning out the true meaning of the song. Luckily, Hudson did not do that. Her performance was tasteful and classy, and I respect her so much more now for that.

Speaking of respect, my opinions of certain people changed or intensified over the course of the evening. Take Dave Grohl, for example. It is very difficult to say something unique in an acceptance speech, but what Grohl stated after Foo Fighters won the Grammy for Best Rock Album for “Wasting Light” had me clapping and cheering from my couch. He said:

“This is a great honor, because this record was a special record for our band. Rather than go to the best studio in the world down the street in Hollywood and rather than use all of the fanciest computers that money can buy, we made this one in my garage with some microphones and a tape machine. To me this award means a lot because it shows that the human element of music is what’s important. Singing into a microphone and learning to play an instrument and learning to do your craft—that’s the most important thing for people to do. It’s not about being perfect, it’s not about sounding absolutely correct, it’s not about what goes on in a computer. It’s about what goes on in here (your heart) and what goes on in here (your head).”

Amen, Dave Grohl. Amen.

But my favorite part of the entire night came after all the awards had been given out. Can you guess what I’m talking about? You’ve got it – Paul McCartney. Sir Paul McCartney, I should say.

His closing performance of “Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End” from the Abbey Road album was just amazing. He has still got his charm, and though he is beginning to sound his age, he still has his pipes! He is the gold standard of songwriting, singing, performing, and showing sheer character that everyone should strive to live up to.

I was so happy to see Joe Walsh, Bruce Springsteen, and Dave Grohl join him on stage to play some hot guitar riffs during the Beatles’ song “The End.” That performance is what the Grammys is all about — amazing performers getting together to have some fun while sharing their talent with each other and the world.

And yes, Chris Farley, it is true: In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make